Okay, but let’s be real: apart from having a laugh at these questionable creations, we can also extend some sympathy. After all, who hasn’t messed up their own DIY? (I can proudly confirm I have. Definitely more than once. Oops.)
In fact, according to one survey, 80% of people attempting DIY projects make mistakes, and 45% of DIYers admit they’ve completely butchered at least one project. We’re human. It happens.
And if there’s a silver lining, it’s that a bad DIY can actually be an amazing learning opportunity. It’s humbling, sure, but it’s also a chance to realize: okay, maybe I overestimated my skills—or, on the flip side, hey, here’s an area I can improve next time.
But how do you actually get better at DIY? Sandra Haurant wrote a great piece for The Guardian where she asked professional DIY-ers to share their tips. Their first piece of advice was perfectly fitting for this topic: know when not to do it yourself.
And that’s not because a creative or complicated art piece might be out of your aesthetic depth, it’s because some things are genuinely unsafe to attempt.
For example, Jo Behari, a DIY expert and author, explains that it’s illegal to do gas and certain electrical work in England if you’re not qualified. “People can die if it goes wrong.”
So when it comes to tasks like these, it’s always best to leave them to the professionals.
If you do want to get serious with DIY—say for your home, not just small craft projects—it’s smart to start with the basics.
Experts recommend putting together a solid starter toolkit: a measuring tape, screwdrivers, hex keys (aka Allen keys), a spirit level, a claw hammer, a scraper, and some safety gear like goggles. And if the budget’s tight, even regular glasses or sunglasses can work for lighter jobs like sanding.
But having the tools is only half the battle. The next step is knowing how to take care of them.
Clean them, store them properly, and show them a little respect. Sometimes maintenance might not be as intuitive as you’d think, so don’t be afraid to look it up.
Neglecting them will only shorten their lifespan, and what’s the point of investing in a toolkit if it won’t last you long?
While DIY is often seen as the budget-friendly option, it’s worth remembering that not everything should be done on the cheap. Knowing when to save and when to spend can make all the difference.
Sometimes splurging just a little will save you a whole lot of trouble down the line. Paint, for instance, is one of those things you really don’t want to cut corners on.
As Behari points out: “Cheap paint is going to involve lots and lots of coats, so you have to buy more, and then it takes more time because you’re painting for a lot longer.”
